Log positioning apparatus



Oct. 16. 1956 R. G. MILLER LOG posmoumc APPARATUS 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 19, 1953 INVENTOR.

EH GMiZZer Oct. 16, 19156 R. G. MILLER LOG POSITIONING APPARATUS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 19 1953 INVENTOR.

Roy GMJIZQP United States Patent M LOG POSITIONING APPARATUS Roy G. Miller, Tacoma, Wash.

Application October 19, 1953, Serial No. 386,979

Claims. (Cl. 143-157) This invention relates to apparatus for positioning a log both horizontally and vertically preliminary to cutting it into sections of predetermined length.

In logging operations it is a common practice to bring the logs to a central station where they are measured and cut into lengths suitable for further processing in the sawmill or plywood mill. The means formerly employed for this purpose, however, have been time consuming and inaccurate. Accordingly, it is the general object of this invention to provide log positioning apparatus which is both rapid and accurate, thereby saving substantial time and also avoiding the waste of lumber caused by overcutting or undercutting the logs.

It is another object of this invention to provide log positioning apparatus which measures the logs to length accurately and then is retracted from its operative position to permit sawing of the log without binding of the saw.

It is another object of this invention to provide log positioning apparatus which is adjustable rapidly to measure logs into any one of a number of selected lengths.

It is another object of this invention to provide log positioning apparatus which is easy to operate and which may be controlled and adjusted by a single operator.

It is another object of this invention to provide log positioning apparatus which is rugged, durable and capable of withstanding the frequent log impacts to which it necessarily is subjected when in use.

The manner in which the foregoing and other objects of this invention are accomplished will be apparent from the accompanying specification and claims considered together with the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a plan view of the presently described apparatus;

Figure 2 is a view in side elevation of the presently described apparatus, partly broken away, better to show the construction;

Figures 3 and 4 are sectional views in side elevation illustrating the manner of operation of the log end stop employed in the apparatus;

Figure 5 is a view taken along the lines 5-5 of Figure 2; and

Figure 6 (Sheet 1) is a view taken along the lines 66 of Figure 3.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings:

Broadly stated the presently described log positioning apparatus comprises a log end stop mechanism for stopping the longitudinal movement of the log at a predetermined horizontal cutting position, log end stop adjusting means for adjusting the position of the log end stop mechanism to make possible cutting off from the log sections of selected length, and log supporting means stationed a spaced distance from the log end stop means for supporting the end of the log in a predetermined vertical cutting position preliminary to severing it with a saw.

The log end stop mechanism The log end stop mechanism used in the present in 2,766,783 Patented Oct. 16, 1956 vention for arresting the longitudinal movement of a log 10 at a predetermined point with respect to saw line 11 rests upon a base frame including the longitudinal spaced apart frame members 12, 14, interconnected by spaced transverse frame members 16, 18 and apron 19. Slidably mounted upon the base frame is a head frame which includes the lower, spaced apart, horizontal members 20, 22, and the lower transverse cross pieces 24, 26, 28.

At the forward end of the head frame is a framework housing the end stop mechanism. It comprises a pair of forward vertical frame members 30, 31, extending upwardly from the horizontal members 20, 22; a pair of rearward frame members 32, 33, also extending upwardly from the horizontal frame members 20, 22; the upper transverse members 34, 36 connecting respectively the forward and rearward vertical members; and the upper longitudinal members 38, 40 interconnecting the transverse members 34, 36. The head frame assembly is further reinforced and strengthened by means of the diagonal frame members 42, 44.

The spaced horizontal members 20, 22 of the head frame slide on the spaced horizontal members 12, 14 of the base frame, suitable lubricating and bearing means being provided for this purpose. Alignable openings through these frame members also may be provided for a purpose which will appear hereinafter. The openings in the head frame members 20, 22 are indicated at 46-60 inclusive, while those in the base frame members are indicated at 61 (Figure 5).

The log end stop in the illustrated form comprises the vertical, transversely disposed plate 62. This is mounted in such a manner that it may be moved between an advanced position wherein it is operative to stop the longitudinal movement of the log, and a retracted position wherein it is withdrawn from contact with the log. This makes possible sawing the log without binding of the saw.

Accordingly, the stop plate is supported on a plurality of shafts 64, 65, 66, 67. These are connected to the rear face of the end plate at suitable locations, for ex ample, adjacent each of the corners, and extend rearwardly therefrom. They are mounted slidably in a suitable manner, as by journalling them in the vertical frame members 30-33.

Means are provided associated with the shafts 64-67 for determining their maximum degree of forward extension, and hence the operative position of stop plate 62. To this end the rear terminal positions of the shafts are fitted with stopper pins 68, 69, 70, 71. If desired, a plurality of positions for such stopper pins may be provided, thereby making possible extension of stop plate 62 to a selected one of a plurality of forward positions.

Means also are associated with log end stop plate 62 for urging it normally to its retracted position. Accordingly shafts 6467 have collars 72, 73, 74, thereon. interposed between these collars and the vertical frame members 30 are coil springs 76, 77, 78, 79. As a result, stop plate 62 is maintained urged rearwardly by a resilient force determined in part by the setting of collars 72-75 on shafts 64-67.

To urge log end stop plate 62 to its advanced, operative position there is provided the following mechanism. Mounted on the head frame of the apparatus at properly spaced apart stations, for example, near the four corners, are a plurality of fluid operated cylinders, preferably hydraulic cylinders 80, 82, 84, 85. The piston rods 86, 88, 90, 91 of these cylinders bear directly against the inner face of plate 62.

Cylinders -85 are supplied with fluid through lines 92 leading from another cylinder 94. The piston rod of cylinder 94 is pivotally connected to a lever arm 96 which in turn is pivotally connected to the frame of the apparatus through link member 98. Also pivotally connected to lever 96 is the piston rod of still another cylinder 100. The latter cylinder raises lever ,96 against the resilient forceof a spring 102 which interconnects the outer end of the lever and a boss 104 connected to the frame.

Cylinder 100 is supplied Withfluid through line. 106 which communicates with conduit 103. The latter, in turn, connects with valve 110 of the master cylinder 112. This cylinder is of the type which contains a reservoir for the storage of fluid. It may be operated by of lever 114. .Thus by working lever 114, fluid is passed through valve 110 and lines 103, 106 into cylinder 100. There it extends the piston rod, elevating lever 96, and extending the piston rod of cylinder 94.

This in turn draws fluid from cylinders 80-85, retracting piston rods 86-91 thereof and, causing the retraction by means of springs 7679 of log end stop plate 62. The plate may be held in its retracted position by closing valve 110. Upon opening this valve, however, spring 102 draws lever 96 downwardly, whereupon the above sequence is. reversed and stop plate 62 is advanced to its operative position.

The log end stop ad fasting mechanism Although the head frame described above may be mounted rigidly upon the base frame with log end stop plate 62 in a fixed position with respect to the saw, it is preferred to mount the head frame assembly slidably, as mentioned above, and to provide interlocking means whereby it may be interlocked to the base frame at a plurality of stations. This enables placing the stop plate at a selected one of a number of positions and accordingly the apparatus may be employed in cutting oif log sections of different lengths.

The manner in which the above result is accomplished in the presently described embodiment is particularly apparent from Figures 1 and 2. In these views, the four possible positions of stop plate 62 are indicated at A, B, C and D, respectively. These may correspond, for example, to log section lengths of 8, 8%, 9 and feet. Interlocking means then are present which will lock the head frame to the base frame at the forward station A, the rearward station D or the two intermediate stations B and C.

Accordingly, there are provided on the head frame stop plates 120, 122, stop lugs 132, 134, and guide plates 124, 126. Attached to the base assembly and extending upwardly therefrom are stop plates 128,130. These, like plates 124, 126 also serve as guides for the head frame.

Thus when the head frame is in its extreme forward position, stops 132, 134 abut the back edges of stops 128, 130, thereby placing end stop plate 62 in position A. However, when the head frame is in its extreme retracted position, stops 120, 122 engage the forward edges of stops 128, 130 and log end stop plate 62 correspondingly will be placed in position D.

If either of the intermediate positions B or C is to be used, the intermediate stops 132, 134 are utilized. Extending outwardly from the base frame assembly are ears 136, 138. Pivotally connected to these are the lever arms 144, 146. Connected to the outer endsof lever arms 144, 146 are the outer ends of link members 148, 150. These terminate in handles or grips 152, 154.

The inner ends of links 148, 150 are pivotally connected to a lever 156 which rotates about a centrally located pivot pin 158. This rotation takes place against the resilient force of spring 160, however, which interconnects the lever and a frame member of the assembly.

Pivotally mounted on levers 144, 146 area pair of link members 166, 168. These turn about pivot pins 170, 172 and extend outwardly from levers 144, 146 in the plane thereof. Extending outwardly at substantially right angles to links 166, 168 are the stop pins 174, 176. When in operative position, these engage stops 132, 134, on the head frame.

The stop pin assemblies are braced and reinforced by the pin pairs 178, 180. These extend outwardly from the frame and are spaced apart to receive sections of pivot pins 170, 172 respectively, when the stop pins are in operative position. When they are not, stop pins 174, 176 are maintained spaced apart from the frame of the apparatus by means of torque springs 182 interconnecting one side of pivot pins 170, 172 and a frame member. This prevents inadvertent engagement of the stop pins with stops 132, 134.

The above described assembly operates to position stop plate 62 in intermediate position B. Its positioning in intermediate position C is etfectuated by contact of stops 132, 134 with a second pair of stop pins 184, 186. These are mounted in a manner analogous to that described above in connection with stop pins 174, 176. I 7

Operation of the two sets of stop pins also is similar. If it is desired to position stop plate 62 at intermediate position B, stop pins 174, 176 are moved inwardly. This is done by pushing inwardly on either one of grips 152, 154, depending upon where the operator is standing. In either case, centrally pivoted lever 158 is rotated, and the same motion which pushes stop pin 174 inwardly,.also brings stop pin 176 inwardly. During this action the operation of spring insures that the stop pins are brought to their innermost positions.

Conversely, when it is desired to take stop pins 174, 176 out of their operative positions so that the head frame is free to travel past them, they may be pulled outwardly by using grips 152, 154. This again is accompanied by a rotation of the centrally pivoted lever 158. Again spring 160 acts to bring the lever and its connection to their extreme positions. In this manner positive operation of the device is insured.

If it is desired to station stop plate 62 in position C, stop pins 184, 186 are put in operative position. This is accomplished by pushing the assemblies mounting them inwardly until the stop pins are aligned with stops 132, 134. The latter then will engage the stop pins and arrest the motion of the head frame at position C of the stop plate, irrespective of the direction in which the head frame is travelling.

Locking means also are provided for releasably locking the head frame assembly once it has been positioned in any one of positions A, B, C, and D, as described above. It will be noted that when the head frame assembly is in these positions, corresponding pairs of the pairs of openings 46-60 through frame members 20, 22 of the movable head frame will be aligned with openings 61 on members 12, 14 of the base frame. Thus when the stop plate 62 is in position D, openings 46, 48 in the head frame will be aligned with the openings in the base frame. Similarly, when stop plate 62 is in position C, openings 50, 52 will be thus aligned, and so on for the remaining positions of the stop plate.

This aifords an opportunity for insertion of locking pins through the registering pairs of openings, thereby releasably interlocking the head frame and the base frame. Extending upwardly from the transverse member 16 of the base frame are a pair of guide pins 200, 201. Slidably mounted upon these pins is a perforated cross-bar 202 separated from frame member 16 by compression springs 204, 205 (Figure 5). At the respective ends of cross-bar 202 are a pair of downwardly extending locking pins 206, 207.

Mounted above and bearing against bar 202 is a cam 208 operated by a lever 210 anchored to cross tie 16 by eye bolt 211. By depressing this lever, locking pin 206 may be inserted through the aligned pair of openings, locking the head frame to the base frame. Conversely by lifting lever 210, the locking pins may be removed from the aligned openings so that the head frame is free to slide 'on the base. I

The log end supporting mechanism To assist the log end stop mechanism in positioning the log for sawing, means are provided for supporting or elevating (if the log is not too large) that end of the log which is adjacent stop plate 62. This mechanism is illus trated in Figures 3, 4 and 6. It is contained in a frame or housing 220. Housing 220 has over its top a lift plate or foot 222, the rearward end of which is pivotally mounted on a shaft 224.

Extending across housing 220 transversely of the log direction is another shaft 226. Pivotally mounted on this shaft are a pair of cams 228, 230. These are interconnected by a centrally located shaft 232.

To shaft 232 is pivotally connected the piston rod of a fluid operated cylinder 234. This cylinder is pivotally mounted on a shaft 236 journalled in the bracket members 238, 240. A coil spring 242 interconnects an extension of shaft 236 and cam shaft 232.

Cylinder 234 preferably is hydraulically actuated and supplied with fluid via line 244. This in turn communicates with line 108 leading from valve 110 on master cylinder 112. Then when fluid is forced into cylinder 234, its piston rod is extended, actuating cams 228, 230 and elevating lift plate 222 to the position of Figure 4. However, when fiuid is withdrawn from cylinder 234, the reverse action takes place, lift plate 222 being lowered to the position of Figure 3 by the action of spring 242.

Operation In the operation of the above described log positioning apparatus, a log is transferred to a trough (not shown) which feeds the apparatus. A cable or other suitable means is attached to the log and it is pulled longitudinally over lift plate 222 until its forward end rests on apron 19 and abuts stop plat 62, the latter being in its extended position as shown in Figure 3.

Master cylinder 112 then is actuated whereupon fluid passes into cylinder 100 of the end stop apparatus and cylinder 234 of the log end elevating apparatus. Cylinder 100 lifts lever 96, which in turn lifts the piston rod of cylinder 94. The latter thereupon withdraws fluid from cylinders 80-85, retracting piston rods 86-91 thereof. This permits retraction of stop plate 62 by springs 76-79 to the retracted position of Figure 4.

Actuation of cylinder 234 drives cams 228, 230, elevating lift plate 222 until it supports the log. With the log in this position, the saw can make its out without danger of pinching or binding. Thereafter the severed log segment drops downwardly and is conveyed away from the apparatus.

Valve 110 then is opened and the fluid permitted to flow from cylinders 100, 234 back into the reservoir contained within cylinder 112. This results in the lowering of lift plate 222 and of lever arm 96 through the action of springs 242, 102 respectively. Movement of lever 96 forces fluid from cylinder 94 into cylinders 80-85 and accordingly extends the piston rods thereof to force stop plate 62 to the advanced position determined by stopper pins 68-71 on the terminal portions of shafts 64-67 mounting the plate. In this position, which is the position of Figure 3, the apparatus is ready to receive another section of the log, which may be drawn over lift plate 222 until it abuts the extended end stop 62 in the manner described hereinbefore.

Log sections thus are cut to a specified length until it is desired to cut them to a different length. If the length decided upon corresponds to position A of the stop plate (Figure 2), the operator makes certain that stop pins 174, 176, 184, 186 are set in their withdrawn position in which they are cleared by stops 132, 134. He then manually pushes the head frame assembly until stops 132, 134 on the head frame engage stops 128, 130 on the base frame. In this position openings 58, 60 in members 20, 22 of the head frame assembly register with openings 61 of the base frame assembly.

If it is desired to sever log sections having a length determined by the stop plate in its position D, the operator moves the head frame manually to its extreme retracted position wherein stops 120, 122 in the upper frame abut stops 128, on the lower frame. In this position, openings 46, 48 in members 20, 22 of the head frame are aligned with the lock openings in the lower frame.

If it its desired to station stop plate 62 at one of the intermediate positions, B or C, of Figure 2, the corresponding pair of stop pins 174, 176 or 184, 186 are moved inwardly to operative positions. If position B is desired, the operator grasps grip 152 or 154 depending upon on which side of the apparatus he is standing. He then pushes thegrip inwardly, whereupon the other grip is pulled inwardly by the lever mechanism. This places the stop pins 174, 176 close to the frame where they will be engaged by stops 132, 134. They will then arrest the motion of the head frame assembly at the precise point where openings 54, 56 in members 20, 22 of the head frame register with the locking openings in the base frame. This will be true no matter in which direction the head frame is travelling because of the pivotal motion of the stop pins when they are engaged by stops 132, 134.

If it is desired to position stop plate 62 in position C, stop pins 184, 186 are moved into operative position by one or the other of their respective grips in the manner described above. In this :case openings 50, 52 in the head frame member 20, 22 will be opposite the lock openings in the base frame.

When the openings in the head frame members are thus aligned with the lock openings in the base frame, the two frame assemblies may be locked together releasably by depression of lever 210'. This operates cam 208 which in turn presses down on bar 202, inserting lock pins 206, 207 in the registering openings. However, when lever 210 again is elevated, springs 204, 205 lift bar 202 until the locking pins have been removed from the openings. The frame then is ready for adjustment to another position.

Thus it will be seen that by the present invention I have provided log positioning apparatus which positions logs accurately and rapidly to a predetermined cut-off position. This position is adjustable, moreover, so that sections of various lengths may be cut from the logs. The adjustment is made simply and accurately by a single operator standing on either side of the apparatus. Furthermore, the apparatus maintains the log in a position in which the log to be sawed cannot pinch or bind during the cut-off operation. Still further, it is rugged and durable in service and readily adapted to the rigorous treatment which it receives in logging operations.

It is to be understood that the form of my invention, herewith shown and described, is to be taken as a preferred example of the same, and that various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be re sorted to, without departing from the spirit of my invention, or the scope of the subjoined claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. For use with a saw positioned to cut a log transversely, apparatus for positioning the log with respect to the saw, said apparatus comprising a frame adapted to be positioned in fixed relation with respect to the saw line, log end stop means mounted on the frame for movement in the longitudinal direction of the log between an extended position determining the length of log to be cut and a retracted position farther removed from the saw line and out of abutment with the log, whereby to prevent binding of the saw during the cutting operation, and power means interconnecting the frame and log end stop means for selectively moving the log end stop means to said extended and retracted positions.

2. Log positioning apparatus comprising a frame, a log stop member mounted adjacent the frame for retractable movement in the longitudinal direction of a log, re-

silient means on the frame bearing against the log end stop'rnember in the direction of retraction from the log end, at least one fluid operated cylinder mounted on the frame and bearing against the log end stop member in the direction of advancement toward the log end, and power means connected to the cylinder for advancing the log end stop member against the resilient force of the resilient means to its operative log-contacting position and then for releasing it, whereupon the resilient means 'retracts the log end stop member to its inoperative position withdrawn from the log.

3. Log positioning apparatus comprising a frame, a log stop member mounted adjacent the frame for retractable movement in the longitudinal direction of a log, resilient means on theframe bearing against the log end 'stop member in-the direction of retraction from the log end, at least one fluid operated cylinder mounted on the frame and bearing against'the log end stop member in the direction of advancement towardthe log end, and power means connected to the cylinder'for advancing the log end stop member against the resilient force of the resilient means to its operative log-contacting position and then for releasing it, whereupon the resilient means retracts the log end stop member to its inoperative position withdrawn from the log, log end elevating means positioned a spaced distance from the log end stop member and including a lift member pivotally mounted at the side remote from the log and stop member, cam means operatively engaging the lift member for raising and lowering the latter, and power means connected to the cam means for actuating the latter.

4. Log positioning apparatus comprising a frame, a log end stop means mounted on the frame for retractable movement in the longitudinal direction of a log, first power means interconnecting the frame and log end stop means for selectively retracting. the log end. stop means, log end elevating means positioned a spaced distance from the log end stop means, second power means connected to the log end elevating means for actuating the latter, the elevating means functioning to elevate the end of the log to a predetermined vertical position, and control means interconnectingboth power means for ac: tuatin g the latter simultaneously to retract the log end stop means and elevate the log end elevating means.

5. The apparatus of claim 2 including a plurality of said fluid operated cylinders arranged inspaced relation and all interconnected for common fluid passage through said power means.

References Cited in thefile of this patent .UNITED STATES PATENTS 296,334 Jones Apr. 8, 1884 632,640 Butterfield Sept. 5, 1899 771,089 Prescott Sept. 27, 1904 825,518 Cox July 10, 1906 1,001,272 Howard Aug. 22, 1911 1,105,074 Greene July 28, 1914 1,262,943 Gustafson Apr. 6, 1918 2,039,017 McLeod Apr. 28,- 1936 2,410,887 Lock Nov. 12, 1946 2,480,536 Andrus Aug. 30, 1949 2,540,004 McFall Jan. 30, 1951 2,563,867 Rathert et al. Aug. 14, 1951 2,673,581 Dornath et al. Mar. 30, 1954 FOREIGN PATENTS 40,426 Sweden Mar. 29, 1916 

